Building a small PC is a fun project until you realize your CPU cooler is too tall for your case. I have spent way too much time staring at my side panel, praying it would close over a bulky fan. If you are squeezed for space, you have probably run into the same headache.
I picked up the METALFISH DH380 Low Profile CPU Cooler to see if it could actually handle a modern chip without making my computer sound like a jet engine. This thing is tiny, and after testing it, I have some thoughts on whether it is right for your build.
What Is The METALFISH DH380?
This is a specialized cooler meant for people who really care about saving space. It sits at just 38mm tall, which makes it perfect for those tight Mini-ITX cases that have almost zero room for standard air coolers.
The main draw here is the price. It is a budget-friendly option that you can often find with free shipping on AliExpress, which saves you a decent chunk of change compared to the bigger brands. You get four heat pipes and a slim fan, which is usually enough to keep a mid-range processor from overheating.
Features That Matter
The most important part of this cooler is how thin it is. Because it is only 38mm, it fits into almost any build where you are struggling for clearance. Even though it is small, the four copper heat pipes do a decent job of pulling heat away from the processor.
Installation is pretty straightforward if you have worked with small builds before. The mounting hardware covers most common sockets like Intel 1700 or AMD AM4 and AM5. It does not try to be fancy with extra lights or huge heatsinks, but it does exactly what it promises on the box.
Honest Pros and Cons
I want to be clear that this is a budget part, and you get what you pay for. Here is the breakdown of what I liked and what frustrated me.
- The price is hard to beat for an ITX cooler.
- It is extremely thin and fits in almost any case.
- Shipping was free when I ordered mine, which adds to the value.
- The copper heat pipes are well-placed for efficiency.
- Mounting brackets are included for both Intel and AMD.
- The fan can get a bit loud when it hits high speeds under load.
- There is no local warranty, so you are on your own if it breaks.
- Shipping from AliExpress can take a few weeks depending on where you live.
- The instruction manual is very basic and can be hard to follow.
- It is not meant for high-end, hot-running CPUs that need heavy cooling.
Who Should Buy This?
This cooler is perfect for someone building a home theater PC or a basic workstation in a tiny case. If you have a mid-range CPU that does not produce a ton of heat, this will get the job done without hitting your wallet too hard.
You should probably skip this if you are building a gaming monster with a high-end, power-hungry processor. If you have an expensive chip, you will be better off looking for a premium liquid cooler or a larger air tower. This cooler is meant for budget builds, not heavy-duty overclocking.
What Buyers Are Saying
Most people on the forums seem to agree with my experience. One user mentioned that it finally let them close the side panel on their K39 case, which was a huge win. Another buyer noted that while it is not the quietest fan in the world, it keeps their temperatures well within the safe zone for office work and light browsing.
Final Verdict
The METALFISH DH380 is a solid choice if you are on a budget and desperate for space. It is not going to win any awards for silence or extreme cooling performance, but it is reliable for the price.
If you are a builder who knows how to handle a tiny case and wants to save some money, this is a great little piece of kit. Just keep your expectations realistic regarding the noise level and the long shipping times. It is a simple, no-nonsense solution that works for the right kind of setup.
